The Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies might work together to complete a huge trade that would alter the course of both teams’ careers.
The Houston Rockets, who finished the previous season with a.500 record despite being the No. 11 seed, are looking to make the final leap to the Western Conference’s contender pool. Though some roster changes could assure them of contention, I think Ime Udoka’s defensive philosophy has improved the deep roster and they appear to be among the teams most poised to advance this season.
The Memphis Grizzlies are returning from a season marred by injuries, during which all of their stars missed significant time due to injury, with Ja Morant appearing in just six games overall. The Grizzlies are hoping to be competitive without making any significant additions with the return of Jaesigwon Morris and a formidable supporting group behind him. However, given how swiftly the West is developing, I think the Grizzlies could improve their offensive potential by adding some finesse to their gritty roster.
Both teams have excellent frontcourt players, and I believe the Western Conference would be much more difficult if they traded players in a special arrangement that gave both teams more weapons.
Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Jaren Jackson Jr., Marcus Smart, 2029 First-Round Pick (MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Fred VanVleet
In addition to creating rotational space for players like Cam Whitmore and Tari Eason, the Rockets added two more defensive weapons to bolster their roster in support of Jalen Green’s extraordinary offensive ability. The Grizzlies gain VanVleet’s seasoned guard skills in addition to an offensive centre and a defensive wing with lots of potential.
The Rockets Commit To Being The Best Defense In The NBA
Aside from a suitable big man who can defend the rim, the Rockets have every piece of equipment needed to rank among the NBA’s top defensive teams. Although Steven Adams is coming off a serious injury, he should be used as a backup rather than the starting defensive centre. Still, he can provide that in short bursts off the bench. Sengun’s offensive prowess was evident throughout the previous season, but considering the success they had in his absence towards the end of the campaign, it might be prudent to capitalise on his value by acquiring a defensive big man.
Former DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr. averaged 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks in his final campaign. Few shot blockers in the NBA are better than him, despite the fact that I have occasionally witnessed him struggle as a rebounder. When called upon, Jaren would be a monster at guarding the interior against Houston’s perimeter defenders, giving the Rockets a legitimate shot at having the best defence in the NBA. His ability to shoot three points is an added bonus to his defensive skills.
Although Marcus Smart’s offensive prowess and uneven spacing have drawn a lot of attention, few perimeter defenders are superior to him. To make up for any deficiencies on that end, the Rockets can start dangerous POA defenders like Smart and Dillon Brooks and use his 14.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 steals.
If the Rockets were only good on defence, they would be in the running for the title, but Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, and rookie Reed Sheppard’s offensive prowess along with the spacing of every other player would elevate them even further.
The Grizzlies Embrace A New Identity
Although the Grizzlies have shown me glimpses of competitive play, it will be difficult to sustain their rough-and-tumble style of play in the postseason. Although Ja Morant is a one-man wrecking crew, the Grizzlies must develop into a more potent halfcourt unit without sacrificing Morant’s ability to score points when handling the ball. They haven’t progressed much with their defense-first approach, so it would be amazing to add a playmaking centre who can boost their offence in all areas.
Alperen Sengun was a possible All-Star for the Rockets last season, averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals. With the highest ceiling of all the players included, Zach Edey will have more room to grow with the Grizzlies rather than being thrown into the starting lineup. Sengun can spread the floor for Morant while increasing the team’s halfcourt effectiveness; GG Jackson and Desmond Bane stand to gain the most from this.
With a team option and an expiring contract worth $42.8 million, the Grizzlies can cut Fred VanVleet’s salary in less than a season. With a season average of 17.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds, he would make a great short-term sixth man.
Jabari Smith Jr., who averaged 13.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season, has established himself as a versatile forward who can even play small-ball centre. If Jackson is dealt away, he would be a huge wing addition who can cover the defensive voids on the Grizzlies frontcourt.
A Deal That Transforms The West
There are unexpected trades, and this one would undoubtedly throw the NBA for a loop. This significantly changes the expectations for both teams, but in my opinion, it benefits both of them. Even with players playing at a lower level, the Grizzlies still have a strong defensive culture. Sengun’s offensive prowess changes this team and gives Morant a self-creating big man who can also create opportunities for others to score baskets.
The additions of Jackson and Smart reflect the Rockets’ commitment to playing full defence. Jackson would be firmly established in their starting lineup, while Smart’s spot in the rotation might change based on how well he plays offensively. Not only is he an incredible leader, but this will demonstrate Houston’s acceptance of the competitive stage of their rebuild.
I know there will be people who are hesitant to make such a significant change to both teams, but for two teams that don’t currently appear to be elite competitors in the West, this might be the best course of action.
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